Five things we learned from Van Gaal's first game in charge of Man Utd

Flexible Van Gaal is a master tactician

Electing to field an unfamiliar 3-4-1-2 formation, Van Gaal picked Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as his centre-backs, with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia deployed as wing-backs.

Briefed to press high, United often won the ball in LA Galaxy's half and looked comfortable in possession, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera looking particularly at home in the manager's new system.

With the ball, United looked to recycle possession as quickly as possible and often fed the wings, with Shaw and Valencia providing a number of crosses from the byline. It paid off, with the possession-based style leading United to hit seven past their MLS counterparts.

"We introduced a new system that we have only played two times on the training pitch 11 v 11," the Dutchman said of his formation afterwards.

"I can change back if the system doesn't work. With the quality of the players we have, I can play 4-3-3 with three strikers on the bench, but I want to play with two strikers."

Van Gaal is likely to experiment further during United's pre-season campaign and made a change at half-time, moving to a four-man defence, with substitute Nani given the false-nine role following the departures of Danny Welbeck and Rooney at the break.

The move did nothing to halt United's attacking movement – or stunt their width – with Ashley Young and Reece Jones both grabbing a double in the second period.

With two formations used to great effect, Van Gaal can be expected to continue to tinker as the club's pre-season tour continues. On Thursday's evidence, he may not need to.

Thursday, July 24, 2014 09:00

Prev

Five things we learned from Van Gaal's first game in charge of Man Utd